The Ladies of Atlanta Sewing Style collaborated with McCall Pattern Company to showcase their new Spring 2020 patterns collection. I chose McCall's 8086, which is a Shirt dress with two different hem variations, two ways to wear the sleeves and the option to mix your favorite Prints in one dress. I chose view C because I like straight hem lines. I also loved that view C was little longer than the other views.
I Love a shirt dress because it gives me so many options. I can wear it as a dress which is clear, and I can wear it as a duster by leaving it open over a slip dress or a jumpsuit. I can dress it up with heals for work and a night out or I can slide on a pair of sneakers and run errands or hang out with friends and family. Another option to this dress is the fact that it can be layered in the fall and winter with tights and boots and a scarf for a warm and cozy look.
The fabric was the right choice to bring this pattern to life for, the details in the fabric brings the details in the pattern to life. Its like watching a beautiful nature scene come to life.
The dress is not your normal two front pieces and two back pieces. It has construction designs that allow the sewer to mix and match different prints or solids to create a canvas of the sewers own personality. As you can see in the picture above the front bodice pieces are two separate pieces cut at an angle. which allows for more room in my opinion for varies chest sizes without having to add darts. The dress came together very well and I love the fit.
Pattern: McCall's 8086
Pattern Description: Semi- fitted Shirt dress, two hem finish options, two options to wear the sleeves View A, BC.
Sizing: 6-14, 14-22. I cut the size 14 and graded up the dress hip measurements to accommodate my hips. It fit perfect.
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes
Likes: Optional hem designs
Dislikes: None
Pattern alterations or any design changes made: I adjusted the hip measurement to accommodate my own.
Would I sew it again? Yes
Would I recommend it to others? Yes
Conclusion: Great Dress and layering piece that would be a plus to any everyday wardrobe. Very versatile!!!
